The backup Quarterbacks are rotating good days

Today it was Jake Rudock’s turn after Brad Kaaya did well in the previous two practices. Rudock is still the number two quarterback.

Running Backs are eerily quiet

Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick look sharp. Zach Zenner continues to take red zone reps. Everyone else has been quiet for the last few days.

The Wide Receiver battle continues to heat up

The Stafford to Marvin Jones Jr connection continues to win in practice. He and Tate look very comfortable out there.

Kenny Golladay was a monster in the red zone today and continues give the Lions quarterbacks an excellent option to throw to. Golladay was also used on red zone crossing routes (often referred to as pick plays) where his big body was able to impede defenders paths to the football.

Kenny Golladay was absolutely devastating during red-zone drills, bodying up Tabor and Lawson for TDs on slants, then Tabor again on a fade

The battle for the back up receiver spots are heating up as TJ Jones, Jace Billingsley, and Jared Abbrederis seem to be fighting for the one or two final spots. Dontez Ford and Noel Thomas continue to try and work their way into this conversation.

Tight Ends dominate the red zone

Eric Ebron was seen running on the sidelines at today’s practice and is working his way back from a hamstring injury.

With Ebron out, the Darren Fells show continues to be one of the most successful parts of camp. Fells is a legit 6-7 and he is using every inch in red zone drills, snagging balls that no defender could hope to get close to. He’s a force right now.

Michael Roberts wasn’t about to be left out of the fun, as he also was near impossible to cover in the red zone. He easily caught both his opportunities (post route and out route) using his massive frame to shield the defender and create a large target for the quarterback.

Offensive Line still resting starters

With Cyrus Kouandjio sitting out practice, Greg Robinson saw the majority of reps at left tackle. While he had struggled at times, he is getting better each practice.

With T.J. Lang and Graham Glasgow getting a rest day, Joe Dahl and Laken Tomlinson started at left and right guard respectively.

Defensive Line

Undrafted free agent defensive end Jeremiah Vaolaga turned heads at Ford Field in Saturday’s scrimmage, and despite today only being his third practice, he seems very comfortable with this defensive scheme. Word around camp is the Lions really like his game and he’s someone to keep tabs on moving forward.

Jeremiah Vaolaga's understanding of the defense looks impressive for a UDFA rookie. He's routinely been helping guys with their alignments.

A’Shawn Robinson looks big and powerful, lining up at both the 1 and 3-technique spots today. I expect him to get the most reps of this years defensive tackles and this position flexibility with help make that happen.

With Haloti Ngata getting a rest day, it was Akeem Spence taking first team reps in his place. A little surprising because Jordan Hill has looked better so far in camp, including today.

Cornelius Washington and Armonty Bryant were seen running on the sidelines as they work their way back from injuries.

Linebackers

Jarrad Davis continues to take command of the middle of the defense. He has the potential to really impact this team in a lot of ways.

Cornerbacks

Nevin Lawson is still being underrated by too many people. he has his weaknesses (inside slants) but he is very sticky in coverage and made several pass break ups today.

Safeties

I’ve previously mentioned how impressive Alex Carter has transformed his body this off-season, but if he’s not putting that strength to use, he’s not going to make this team. He needs to get comfortable at safety, real quick.

Jace Billingsley just leveraged Alex Carter and ran him right out of the play, springing the edge for Theo Riddick

Special Teams

After returning a punt for a touchdown in Saturday’s scrimmage at Ford Field, Jamal Agnew appears to have taken control of the kick return duties. Nothing swayed me off this thought today, he appears to be in the drivers seat.

Dwayne Washington had difficulty handling kicks earlier in camp, but he found his way back out with the return unit today. He’ll need to have success here to help solidify a roster spot.